[Joe]

"He was voted the best basketball player of the first half of the 20th century by the Basketball Writers of America."

The all white half:

http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/fame8_20030408.htm

Originally posted by Mark Padgett
A few more thing about Mikan. While in college, he scored 53 points in a game (which was unheard of in that time) which was more points than the entire opposing team!!! I have never heard of anyone else doing this at the college or pro level.

Also, he was the first man to ever goaltend. This caused the NCAA to institute the goaltending rule, which up until Mikan did it, was legal because it was thought that being able to get up above the rim to block a shot was impossible!

He was voted the best basketball player of the first half of the 20th century by the Basketball Writers of America.

When the league widened the lane (due to Mikan being so dominant) before one season began, the owner of the Lakers threatened to pull his team from the league. He thought it was unfair to make a rule change due to the ability of only one player. He changed his mind, though, thank goodness.